Labrador Retriever Reigns Supreme Once Again In Washington, D.C.

NEW YORK, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Washington, D.C.'s top spot in the American Kennel Club's (AKC®) 2016 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S.

The Lab was also recognized as the #1 pup in Dallas, Chicago, and Portland.

Shakeups were evident in Washington, D.C.'s top 10 most popular breeds. The Golden Retriever jumped from 9th to 3rd, while the Portuguese Water Dog made a giant leap from 19th to 8th.

"President Obama may have left the White House, but his favorite dog breed has become a fixture in the nation's capital," said AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo. "The Portuguese Water Dog jumped from 19th to 8th in 2016."

Washington, D.C.'s top 5 breeds for 2016:

Washington, D.C.'s Most Popular Breeds 2016

Labrador Retriever

French Bulldog

Golden Retriever

Bulldog

German Shepherd Dog

* Registration data pulled from Washington, D.C. zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

The AKC also announced its nationwide rankings today in a press conference at its new pet care space, AKC Canine Retreat. The intelligent, family friendly Labrador Retriever firmly holds on to the number one spot on the most popular list for a record-breaking 26th consecutive year.

While the Labrador Retriever continues its reign as America's dog, the Rottweiler has been slowly but surely rising up the list over the past decade. The confident, loyal and loving Rottie was the eighth most popular breed in 2016, its highest ranking since landing at number two in 1997. The Rottweiler has risen nine spots over the past decade and is poised for a comeback.

The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 20,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.